This time last year, Bitcoin and its brethren were only in the realm of tech geeks and crypto fanatics. What a difference a year can make. Today it is a household name which has attracted the attention of governments across the planet. A number of bankers and politicians have spoken out about Bitcoin, either extolling its virtues or demonizing it. The latest is former Republican Ron Paul.

According to reports, the politician says he is all for Bitcoin as an alternative currency, providing everything about the controversial cryptocurrency is legal. The former Texan congressman told CNN that he introduced legislation to allow competing currencies when he was in Congress because he hates the current system. Read more...